You depend on your toilet, and for good reason. Unfortunately, your toilet, like any other fixture in your home, can malfunction. If this happens, you may need to call a professional plumbing company in Southern California. So, what problems do toilets often face? Here are 10 common issues people have with their toilets.
1. Leaking
Have you noticed water pooling near the base of your toilet? If you have, your toilet may have a leak. Your toilet’s tank holds water that is released into the bowl with each flush. Occasionally, water from the tank can leak into the bowl, and the excess water will go down the drain. Leaks can be difficult to detect, and if you don’t notice you have one, you could be wasting gallons of water each year.
Although water leaking back into the bowl is one of the most common causes of leaks, your toilet may also push excess water through the overflow tube. A properly functioning tank should have a water level that is at least half an inch from the overflow tube. If water flows through the overflow tank, your valve may be malfunctioning.
A flapper that is not tightly settled into the valve seat can cause leaks as can a cracked valve seat or failed gasket. If you can’t find the source of your leak, it may be wise to call We Care Plumbing, Heating, and Air for assistance.
2. Clogs
A clogged toilet is one of the most common issues homeowners and renters face. A full or partial clog can prevent water from flushing down as it normally does. If young children reside in your home, they can flush toys and other objects down the toilet, creating problems requiring a professional plumber. Flushing anything that is not biodegradable, such as wipes, sanitary pads, and paper towels, can cause a clog. Do not flush any paper products besides toilet paper if you want to prevent clogs.
Fortunately, clogs usually are not far away from the drain. However, more extensive clogs will require the aid of a plumber and special equipment. This is especially true if a larger item has been flushed.
3. Toilet Bowl Cracks
It is rare for toilet bowls to crack, but it can happen. If you notice water on the floor and you can’t locate a leak, you may have a cracked toilet bowl. A common sign of a cracked toilet bowl is a low water level. A cracked toilet bowl can cause an increase in your water bill, and any water that seeps into your floor can potentially cause structural damage to your home. Since toilets are manufactured from porcelain, repairing a crack may not be possible. If you have a cracked toilet bowl, you may need a professional to fully replace your toilet with a new one.
4. Wobbly Toilet
Ideally, your toilet should be firmly anchored to the floor of your bathroom. If your toilet wobbles when you sit on it, you should check for leaks. If your toilet rocks back and forth, it is probably not secured to the floor properly. A toilet flange connects your drain pipe to the toilet, and if it is even slightly higher than the floor level, the toilet can become raised and start to wobble. Wobbling can also occur when the caulk around your toilet hardens or when your floor settles over time.
5. Air Bubbles
If you have not flushed your toilet and you frequently notice air bubbles on the surface of the water, you may have a problem. A bubbling toilet can be caused by a faulty vent or a serious clog. The vent assists in equalizing pressure in the drain of your toilet – this ensures an efficient flow of water. If your vent is not functioning properly, bubbles can form. A blocked toilet can also cause bubbles. If your toilet’s vent is blocked, a plumber may need to dig through your wall to reach the problem area.
6. Sluggish Flushing
Sluggish flushing is often caused by a blocked leach field, especially in homes with septic systems. A blocked leach field will prevent water from percolating normally, and in turn, the toilet and drains will become sluggish. Even if you don’t have a septic system, however, your toilet may still be sluggish. This slow flushing may be the result of a clog or a lack of water.
7. Continuous Running
Does your toilet run all the time? Continuously running toilets typically cycle on and off throughout the day, even when the toilet isn’t being used. This can cause your water bill to increase and clean water resources to be wasted. In some severe cases, there may be a more serious underlying problem with your plumbing. If the mechanism to turn off your toilet’s water is not properly shut off, a simple clog can cause it to overflow, which can create a small flood or serious leak.
Many people attempt to remedy a running toilet by replacing the flapper. This may be successful in some cases, but if you have a newer toilet that utilizes a disk seal instead of a flapper, you may want to call We Care Plumbing, Heating, and Air. Disassembling a disk seal skill can be a technical project; if you haven’t done it before, you can run into trouble.
8. Loose Handle
If your toilet’s handle feels loose, you may have a small problem. A properly installed handle should exhibit a fair amount of resistance when it is pulled down, and a loose handle can prevent your toilet from flushing completely. In some cases, you may find you have to hold the toilet handle down for the entire duration of the flush. If this occurs, there may be a problem with your toilet’s chain. If your toilet is a newer version that doesn’t use a handle, you may need to call in a pro.
9. No Flushing
You expect your toilet to flush when you need it to. Unfortunately, there may be a time when your toilet stops flushing completely. If your chain isn’t securely attached to both the handle and flapper, your toilet may not flush. This is because the flapper needs to be opened so that it can initiate a flush. There may also be a problem with your toilet’s water supply. Without the right amount of water in the toilet, it won’t be able to flush.
10. Clogged Sewer Line
The majority of toilet clogs are an indication of a problem with the toilet, but sometimes, a clog can be a sign of a much bigger issue – a clog in the sewer line. Clogs in a sewer line can be caused by flushed objects, tree roots, shifting soil, and broken pipes. Often, if more than one appliance or fixture, such as your toilet and shower, is backing up with water, there may be a problem with your sewer line. Signs of a sewer line clog include the smell of sewage and bright green patches of grass forming on your lawn. If you believe your sewer line is clogged, it is imperative that you call a plumber immediately.
Contact Us
If you notice a problem with your toilet and need toilet repair, it is necessary to contact a professional as soon as possible. We Care Plumbing, Heating, and Air serves Orange, Temecula, Murrieta, and all of Southern California, and we would be more than happy to assist you with hydro-jetting, garbage disposal maintenance, and all of your plumbing repairs. We can even service your HVAC system and conduct an indoor air quality audit. Contact us today.
